Oil pan having an integrated oil filter unit

#This application claims priority to European Patent Application 02 002 214.1 of Jan. 30, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

#The present invention is directed to an oil pan for engines or transmissions with an integrated oil filter unit, wherein part of the oil pan forms the bottom of the oil filter unit.

#In general, oil filters are employed in engines and transmissions to purify the oil used to lubricate the engine or transmission. Traditionally, oil filtration in an engine or transmission has been accomplished using filters arranged separately outside and inside the oil pan. In general, the filter medium required for filtration is arranged in the filter housing in various ways. The space available in an engine/transmission compartment is highly limited and as a result, the tendency recently has been to avoid bulky constructions in new developments of engines and transmissions and to optimize space economy by integration.

#FIG. 1 provides an oblique top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 provides a longitudinal cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 provides an enlarged cross-section view of the fastening area of FIG. 2.

#FIG. 1 shows the schematic arrangement of a preferred embodiment of the oil pan according to the invention in oblique top view. 1 represents the actual oil pan, simultaneously forming the bottom of the oil filter unit. The filter unit is comprised of frame 2 of the filter unit, which also has a fastening area 10 extending at least partially parallel to the bottom of the oil pan, filter medium 9 and cover 3 of the filter unit. Frame 2 of the filter unit is formed by extruding around the filter medium 9. Conveniently, the cover 3 of the filter unit is welded on the frame 2 component during the production process.

#The oil pan 1 preferably has a groove 8 corresponding in shape to the filter unit. Advantageously, the seal 4 which is situated between oil pan 1 and frame 2 of the filter unit is introduced in said groove 8. The adhesive component intended to fix frame 2 of the filter unit on the oil pan is omitted in this illustration. Punch rivets are used for additional fixture of the filter unit.

#In regular operation, the oil passes from the engine or transmission circulation into the oil pan 1, flows through the inlet opening 7 into the interior of the filter unit beneath the filter medium 9, is drawn through filter medium 9 by means of a suction pump, and eventually passes back into the circulation via outlets opening 5. The outlet opening 5 is provided with a seal ring 11.